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Integrating borehole image logs with core: A method to enhance subsurface

fracture characterization

Article  in  AAPG Bulletin · June 2018

DOI: 10.1306/0726171609317002

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3 authors, including:

Fermin Fernandez-Ibanez James Degraff

ExxonMobil Michigan Technological University
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 Integrating borehole image AUTHORS

logs with core: A method to F. Fernández-Ibáñez ~ ExxonMobil

Upstream Research Company, 22777
Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring, Texas
enhance subsurface 77389; fermin.fernandez.ibanez@
exxonmobil.com
fracture characterization F. Fernández-Ibáñez received his Ph.D. in 2007
from Granada University (Spain) before
F. Fernández-Ibáñez, J. M. DeGraff, and F. Ibrayev working for GeoMechanics International and
ExxonMobil Development Company. Fermin
has experience in integrating geomechanics
and structural geology. Over the past 5 years he
ABSTRACT has focused on the characterization and
modeling of nonmatrix (fractures and karst) in
Image logs provide critical data for characterizing fractured res-
carbonate reservoirs. He is currently working at
ervoirs. However, the nature of such logs, coupled with borehole- ExxonMobil Upstream Research Company.
modified stresses, creates challenges that may lead to erroneous
fracture interpretations. We developed a methodology to in- J. M. DeGraff ~ ExxonMobil Upstream
tegrate image logs, core, and geomechanical models to obtain Research Company, 22777 Springwoods
high-confidence, fracture data sets derived from image logs. The Village Parkway, Spring, Texas 77389;
jmdegraf@mtu.edu
methodology starts with a detailed comparison of overlapping
image logs and core, first to properly shift them into alignment J. M. DeGraff is an adjunct professor at Texas
A&M University and a research professor at
(core-to-log shift) and second to determine which features in-
Michigan Technological University. He
terpreted as fractures on image logs (picks) can be validated as
previously worked at ExxonMobil research and
fractures in core. Then we derive guidelines for interpreting image operating companies for 27 years, focusing on
logs without core control to reduce the likelihood of false fracture characterization and analysis of fractured
picks. Geomechanical modeling is used to assist with quality reservoirs throughout the world. Current
control and interpretation of image logs where drilling-induced research interests include formation of
tensile fractures occur. We use a fractured carbonate reservoir to structural discontinuities in the shallow crust
demonstrate the application of this methodology. Comparison of and development of the North American
image log fracture picks with core led to an average rejection rate Midcontinent Rift System.
of greater than 50% of fractures picked on the image logs. These F. Ibrayev ~ North Caspian Operating
high rejection rates are mostly caused by overinterpretation of Company, Chagala District, 01 Smagulov
discontinuous sinusoids and misidentification of sedimentary Street, 060002 Atyrau, Kazakhstan; farkhat.
features and induced fractures. We derived rules for interpreting ibrayev@ncoc.kz
high-quality fractures: (1) only sinusoids with continuity greater F. Ibrayev is a geoscientist with more than 10
than 50% should be interpreted and (2) sinusoids with dip angles years of experience in a geologist role in various
less than 55° should be excluded from the interpretation. Ap- exploration and production projects within
plication of this methodology has provided much higher quality Kazakhstan. Since 2011 he has worked as
a development geologist at North Caspian
fracture orientation and frequency data than that resulting from
Operating Company. In his current assignment,
interpretation of borehole images alone. The improved fracture Farkhat is involved in evaluating karst features
data set provides a more reliable basis for testing hypotheses and and their origin in one of North Caspian’s giant
deriving models of fracture distribution. carbonate fields.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Copyright ©2018. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved.
The authors thank Neil Aubuchon, Rick
Manuscript received May 23, 2016; provisional acceptance August 25, 2016; revised manuscript received
December 16, 2016; revised manuscript provisional acceptance May 1, 2017; 2nd revised manuscript received Jensen, Dave Bennett, and Gareth Jones for
July 10, 2017; final acceptance July 26, 2017. their support in data acquisition and
DOI:10.1306/0726171609317002

AAPG Bulletin, v. 102, no. 6 (June 2018), pp. 1067–1090 1067

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